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Support for the region's writers

07 October 2013

 

Project Break Out, led by Teesside University academics Bob Beagrie and Andy Willoughby through their independent publishing and literature development agency Ek Zuban Press, received a £10,000 Arts Council grant to continue Project Break Out’s work to support the career development of new writers from the region.

The project has involved performances by leading UK poets and mentoring by Bob and Andy of the region’s young and promising writers. It culminated with the launch of a new publication at The Poetry Cafe in London. This anthology of poetry, published by Ek Zuban Press, was launched this summer at The Royal Festival Hall in London, with performances by the poets and musicians from The Electric Kool-Aid Cabaret. The six poets featured in the anthology are Chris Stewart, Carmen Thompson, Michael Edwards, Katie Metcalfe, Amir Darwish and Julie Egdell. Bob, Project Break Out editor said: 'A thriving literary culture exists in Middlesbrough. Live poetry culture has exploded, with performance events, spoken word cabarets and slams hosting major international poets and spoken word artists, with an electrifying effect upon the audiences, creating a whole new, diverse generation of poets. These six poets, all very different in style, subject matter and voice, deserve a much higher profile and this project aims to place them in a national spotlight.' Katie Metcalfe, one of the six poets said: 'I feel so honoured to be part of the team and have my work published in this amazing anthology. There is a vibrant Teesside scene going on.'


 
 
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